Then Came You (Zhongli x Reader)

At the Inn

I

It was quite late when you finally reached the Wangshu Inn.

Exhaustion settling over you, you slung your backpack over your shoulder which was packed with the bare necessities – a set of nightclothes, your toiletries and another set of clothes which you would dress in on your journey back.

Zhongli helped you to step down from the cart, his gloved palm completely engulfing your own. You looked up at him, admiring his chivalry and for a brief moment, your eyes met. There was still a look of gratitude hinted with accents of grief, which you believed was the result of the previous conversation and your insights.

The cart driver helped you push your cart against a lamp post and you thanked him, bowing and getting out your wallet to pay him. You paid for your half while Zhongli paid for his, and with one last bow, the cart driver left. You secured the cart around the lamp post using another jute rope and motioned to Zhongli that you were good to go.

He climbed the stairs, you following two steps behind. It had been a good, long while since your last visit seven years ago – with your uncle for a business meeting. There was no one available to look after you when he was gone, so he would force you to tag along, even when you had made it glaringly obvious that you could survive in that house just as well.

However, it was because of this that you were able to pick up on the trade – the investor meetings, new ore locations; this was how you had learned about your business so eventually, instead of resisting, you excitedly accompanied your uncle in hopes to learn new things and best him yourself. Much had changed – you noticed new flooring as well as the famous elevator which would later lead you up to the inn.

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Recommended song: "Cherry Wine" by grentperez

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II

Zhongli turned right, heading towards one of the tables and seated himself, motioning you to do the same.

"Hungry?" He asked, as he lifted a hand and a waitress immediately appeared near your table. You had completely forgotten about dinner – the lunch and the fruit from earlier had managed to keep you full throughout.

"Having regular meals is important," Zhongli said, noting your expression. You gave him a tight-lipped smile, surprised at how easily he caught onto you.

"I will have a Jueyun Chilli Chicken," he announced, "and you?"

"I guess... I'll have some Jueyun Guoba," you replied. Zhongli repeated your orders to the waitress who rushed to the kitchen and he turned to you.

He was still astounded as he had sat beside you in the cart, head lowered in contemplation while you had dozed off. Whatever you had said to him made sense. So easily, with little to no thought; you had managed to sort his dilemmas.

"Maybe you have already met her, you just haven't realised it yet," your previous words rang in his head.

'I sure hope so.'

He had watched you sleep, all signs of the trained warrior he had witnessed assassinating all those Hilichurls vanished. You looked peaceful. And beautiful.

So beautiful.

He had wanted to caress your cheeks the whole time, barely able to control himself. He had wanted to embrace you and protect you from the unknown dangers of the world; show you the most gorgeous sights Teyvat had to offer. And more. So much more.